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Sparta
Sparta is a city in Greece. It is the capital of the Laconia prefecture. It is located on the
Peloponnese peninsula.
Characteristics
Sparta was city-state with a very strong military and a government that was well led. Sparta held a
firm military, and was known as one of the strongest city-states in Greece. Only the strongest
survived in Sparta, male or female. The Spartans weeded out their young early. Those with flaws were
left to die.
Customs
Young Spartans were taken from their homes at the age of seven to begin a military life. The
Spartans became soldiers at age 20, citizens at age 30, and retired at age 60. Men trained hard to
become warriors of the Spartan army. Women were encouraged to keep healthy so that they could
produce healthy, fit babies to grow up to be strong. Spartans saw little moral value in the concept
of childbirth; unless the child was fit to become a Spartan, he would die.
Economy
Sparta had a government with checks and balances. The executive branch was led by two kings. The
legislative branch was led by the citizens, and the judicial branch was controlled by the elders.
There was also a committee of five men who were in charge of the education process that young boys
and girls went through.
History
Sparta enslaved the people of Messenia around 640-620 BC. These slaves later became known as the
Helots. Helots spent their lives farming their Spartan masters' kleros (land granted to Spartan
citizens). At most times the Helots outnumbered their Spartan masters 10 to 1. They rebelled often,
although never at any time able to overthrow their oppressors.
Once a Spartan reached the age of 20 he or she would then become a Homoioi. A Homoioi was a member
of the ruling class (a citizen). Both men and women were citizens. Sparta was the leading society
for women's rights as women were considered to be equal. The Spartan army used a formation
called the phalanx. This made the Spartan front impenetrable.